Extended School Year (ESY) Services
Extended School Year (ESY) services are specialized educational programs provided beyond the regular school year for children with special educational needs (SEN). ESY is designed to help students maintain progress, prevent regression, and continue their development during long breaks, such as summer vacations or other holiday periods. These services are a critical component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), ensuring that students with disabilities receive the continuous support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
The Purpose of ESY Services
The primary goal of ESY services is to prevent significant learning loss or skill regression that can occur during extended breaks from regular schooling. For some children, especially those with disabilities, a long interruption in structured learning can lead to a decline in previously acquired skills. ESY provides targeted interventions and educational support to ensure that students retain their progress and continue to develop essential skills in areas such as:
Academics
Reading, writing, mathematics, and other core subjects.
Social and Emotional Skills
Interaction with peers, communication, and emotional regulation.
Life Skills
Daily living skills, adaptive behaviors, and functional independence.